HAVE A GREAT DAY
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
& YOUR FAMILY


Friday, May 20, 2011

Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia

The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. The track was officially opened during Western Australia's 150th year celebrations, included involved over 1000 walkers on different stages. There are almost fifty campsites along the Track which are spaced one day's walk apart.
The track passes through most of the beautiful places along the Rainbow Coast. It is common to come across the 'Waugal' the symbol and trail marker of the Bibbulmun Track
For more information on The Bibbulmun Track click  here
We have not walked all the Bibbulmun Track but have done quite a few sections.  It is a great walk. 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Eulin Crossing Boyup Brook Western Australia

Eulin Crossing is between Boyup Brook and Moodiarrup.
Eulin Crossing picnic area is a lovely quiet spot for a picnic or an overnight stay. The rest area is beside a large pool on the Blackwood River. This section of river isn't far from where the Blackwood and the Arthur Rivers' meet, and the pool is so wide here that it resembles a small lake, especially when the river is flowing strongly.
The local farmers bring their small boats here for a day boating up and down and giving their families a day out on the water without having to travel long distances.  It is quite safe to swim and cool off in the hot weather.
The parking area is beside the water and is surrounded by some bushes and vegetation.  The birds in the morning give the camper a beautiful chorus of sound.
There is one  picnic table with seats. Last time we camped here the rains had washed a lot of the earth away from underneath the table and seats making it a bit high to sit on.
Our Campsite couple years ago


We visit this site when we travel down to Boyup Brook for the Country Music Festival usually held over the 3rd weekend in February.
Boyup Brook is known as the  Country Music Town  of Western Australia




Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Blackwood River - South Margart River Western Australia

There are numerous camping sites along the Blackwood River between Margaret River and Nannup.
These are generally small shaded areas by the river , with no facilities.  Access tracks are usually narrow, winding, overgrown and rough, and the area is a popular 4x4 destination. However, if tackled in dry weather, most tracks are suitable for experienced 2WD if taken carefully. Recreation activities include fishing for bream, marroning (fresh water crayfish) in season ( you must obtain a license) swimming, canoeing, as well as bird watching and nature study.
This was our campsite - great spot!
For camping in this area you will have to be fully sufficient. River water can be used for showers and washing clothes/dishes etc.
We have the small mobile 4WD and the camper with us was a "Cub Spacematic Camper Trailer" towed by a small 4WD, which  had no problem getting into this camp area.
For a quiet relaxing stay by the river, the Blackwood is ideal.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Kangaroo Island South Australia

When you think of world famous Kangaroo Island, chances are that you picture a secluded island of native forests, teeming with natural wildlife. That's one way of describing  Kangaroo Island - but it's a description that hardly does it justice.
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive on Kangaroo Island is the scale of the place. Only 15 kilometres from the South Australian mainland, the island is seven times larger than Singapore, with a breathtaking diversity of natural environments for you to discover.
For nature lovers, Kangaroo Island is a feast for the senses. There are secluded beaches where you can relax in the sun, or do a spot of ocean fishing. There are pastures where sheep farmers, beekeepers, and winemakers produce the renowned local gourmet cuisine.
There are small towns with intimate restaurants and stores showcasing local artwork. And there are dense, ancient forests that are only a short drive from the island's charming hamlets.
Our 4WD trip into the island's bushland areas, we  saw koalas, one echidna, wallabies, all in their own natural habitat.  We joined a guided night-time tour to see the famous little penguins march out of the ocean to their homes along the coastline. That was truly amazing.
You can venture to the remarkable western coastline of the island, where two of the Southern Hemisphere's three species of seals have made their homes among a dramatic backdrop of tumultuous seas and rocky coastal outcrops.
Your hosts will be members of an eclectic local community of farmers, artists, ecologists, fishers, and adventurer lovers. Some were born on the island. Others visited and never wanted to go home again. 
You'll realize that there's no shortage of things to see and do on Kangaroo Island - and one visit might not be enough to take it all in. It was not enough for us we intend taking another trip over to Kangaroo Island in the future
We purchased all the permits for National and Conservation parks on  Kangaroo Island and toured and camped  all over with a small 4WD.      It is truly a beautiful island.




Revealing the story of the single family of Aborigines on Kangaroo Island, Australia, who would grow to become the island's largest land owners-and then mysteriously disappear-this dramatic work of history explores what became of this family and why they left their land. What emerges is a saga that is both remarkable and sadly familiar and a fascinating microcosm of European expansion in both Australia and the United States. Also included are pertinent discussions of the profound effect aboriginal displacement has had on the Australian psyche. 

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Darwin Northern Territory Australia

We have been to Darwin couple of times over the years and now we are heading back again. Actually we saw Darwin before Cyclone Tracy hit.  That cyclone changed Darwin from the layback seaside little town to a major town  bringing with it all the "concrete".
With Australia’s most youthful population and tropical climate, Darwin is acclaimed for its energetic and fun-loving vibe.
The best way to get acquainted with the city’s Aboriginal heritage, WWII history and colourful past is on a guided tour either on foot, riding a bike or small coach.
At night the city bursts into life along Mitchell Street, the heart of Darwin’s restaurants, pubs and clubs. Harbour-side entertainment can be found on the stylish boardwalks of Cullen Bay Marina, Skycity Casino, the legendary Mindil Beach, and quirky Ski Club or Sailing Club which boast spectacular sunsets.
Local restaurants and markets offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, but make sure that you tuck into some authentic Territory fare like mud crabs, Barramundi, buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile.
Take time to indulge in the open air Asian-style markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach. Relish the flavour of five continents, have your palm read, browse locally made arts and crafts, and watch local entertainers perform.
Darwin Harbour plays host to an array of world-class fishing experiences with anglers hooking Barramundi and other tropical fish, or the more relaxed option of a sunset cruise.

Beautiful city of Darwin
The city provides good accomodation whether in a Caravan Park/ Motel/ Hotel or Bed and Breakfast.
Camping in Darwin is always an experience you will remember.

Looking for a tent and equipment refer to our website for all your needs.


  • Included room dividers allow you to create three separate rooms
  • Coleman's exclusive Weathertec System is guaranteed to keep you dry from unexpected wet weather on your camping trip
  • Tent setup is easy with its shock-corded poles and easy-to-follow assembly instructions; includes separate storage bags for tent, poles, and stakes
  • Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system allows you to adjust airflow and access gear

Monday, May 9, 2011

Elliston in South Australia

There are so many fabulous things to see and do while visiting Elliston and the surrounding areas. 
Great Ocean Tourist Drive - Sculptures dotted along coastline – home of the popular surfing spot off of Blackfellows Jetty.  This drive is just brilliant. The District Council have gone to a lot of effort for the tourist customers' into their area.
Waterloo Bay foreshore offering picnic and bbq area, pontoon for swimming and an opportunity to stretch your legs walking along the beach to the jetty.
Walking Trail – well defined track easily accessible and using the beach, loops around town including the jetty.
Jetty – erected in 1900 to replace old jetty, provided a much needed improvement to the shipping facilities. The jetty has been heritage listed due to its steel pylons, these were screwed into the seabed by a horse drawn winch. The jetty is 1389ft in length (approx 427m).
Playground / skate park
Set in a lawned area the playground keeps kids entertained for hours, grab a bite at the bakery and sit in the shade and watch the kids play. The skatepark was built in 2006 and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) group has complimented it with artwork designed by ‘Romy’ a popular local artist.
Anxious Bay – boat ramp providing access for the keen fisherman, with warm shallow water in the corner ideal for young children to swim.
  The District Council has set aside camping reserves for bush camping. These offer visitors swimming and fishing opportunities.
Talia Caves camping area was closed when we visited Elliston in March 2010.
Locks Well is rated as one of the best salmon fishing beaches in Australia and is very popular with the keen angler.
With a 60 metre drop, the beach has become more accessible with the erection in 1998 of a 283 step stairway and a lookout, providing great opportunity for the keen photographer to capture the stunning sunsets for which the West Coast is renowned.
Just of couple of photos of the sculptures on the Great Ocean Tourist Drive.























Sunday, May 8, 2011

Anne Beadell Highway

Heading towards Woomera Prohibited Area
Constructed in stages between 1953 and 1962, the Anne Beadell Highway covers approximately 1340 km from Laverton in Western Australia to Coober Pedy in South Australia through the Great Victoria Desert.
The "highway" is very rough,remote, sections being very twisted and narrow as well as corrugated. Our group did not tow any trailers due to the road conditions.


Always be aware of wild Camels
Overlooking the Atom Bomb site

White Cliffs area was breathtaking beautiful
Bush camping is permitted while traveling the Anne Beadell Highway where most campsites we found about 30 metres off the side of the road. There are a few established sites with toilets and cold showers. We came across a couple of rain water tanks. I would recommend travelers taking their own drinking water and just use the rain water tanks for showers and a bit of washing if necessary.
Ilkurika Roadhouse

Light plane wreckage
The Ilkurika Roadhouse had a beautiful selection of Aboriginal Art paintings for sale when we visited. The small store stocks just the necessary essentials only.
Travelers have to divert off the Anne Beadell Highway approximately 14 kms to view the light plane wreckage. The road in can be very soft in places.


Scenic track from Yeo Lake

Yeo Lake camp area


Looking towards Western Australia from South Australia
Yeo Lake.  First in gets the small cottage to use. We were able to start up the wood fire and had hot water in no time for a lovely hot shower. There is plenty of camping area here for travelers.
There is a scenic track from the campsite around the lake.

On the border of Western Australia and South Australia there is a "Travelers Book" (in an old tin box on a post)  to sign and make any comments.

We had a great adventure, and enjoyed every minute.
 Camels, Kangaroos, Emus, huge Eagles, were among some of the wild life we encountered.
Permits are required for  the Anne Beadell Highway from Western Australia to travel though Cosmo  Newberry Aboriginal land East and South. Travel permits for the Unnamed Conservation Park, Maralinga Tjarutja land, Woomera Prohibited areas and a Desert Parks Pass from South Australia.  The cost of these passes in most cases is nil.  The reason for the passes is to restrict the number of travelers traveling through at any one time as not to damage the environment
We found the book Explore Australia by 4WD Adventure Treks by Craig Lewis and Cathy Savage to be very good.  Also travelers can purchase a paper back "Anne Beadell Highway" booklet.  Both  books I would recommend.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Oodnadatta Track South Australia

Around 621 kms of unsealed km easy 4WD driving   from Marla on the Stuart Highway to Marree ( beginning of the Birdsville Track) in South Australia.
The Oodnadatta Track takes you on an historical adventure along mostly good-quality graded gravel roads.
When we did the trip in 2010, it rained one night - that changes the road a lot.  Very boggy and slippery in some areas and we had to be very careful with creek and small river crossings.
The Oodnadatta Track follows the old Ghan railway line that did run between Adelaide and Alice Springs.
The ruins of settlements and stone-fettlers' cottages, water tanks, viaducts, rail bridges and sidings appear regularly in this area of mound springs and artesian bores that figure significantly in Aboriginal history and mythology.
Old Ghan Railway line over Algebuckina Waterhole


There is plently of  camping  areas to pull off and camp for the night or even a couple of nights. Also camping at Algebuckina Waterhole (very long historical bridge that crosses over the creek ) and Curdimurks Railway Station ruins.  Coward Springs campground is an oasis in this driest part of Australia's arid zone, set amid wetlands and shrublands in the shade of tamarisks and date palms.  Coward Springs campground  have a natural artesian bore spa bath ( absolutely to die for after a long day driving ).

Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta
Marla, Oodnadatta, William Creek and Marree have caravan parks.

Just a small section of items on the wall  at William Creek Roadhouse


Marree Roadhouse has the best bread we have ever tasted (not that we are bread eaters while traveling). Do not leave Marree without a loaf or two.
Australia's smallest town -William Creek - is situated in  "Anna Downs"-  one of Australia's largest cattle stations.  We found William Creek to be  a very clean and tidy little town. The Tavern /Roadhouse/Fuel stop  shop's  inside walls are decorated with everything you can imagine.  You have to allow a mimimum of  30 minutes just to look at the walls etc. (Enjoy a cold beer while you are there)
From William Creek,  visitors can take joy flights out over Lake Eyre and surrounding areas.
Oodnadatta- (well that is another story).  We personally found the town to be very untidy and messy with rubbish lying around everywhere.  We were dissappointed in the town when we arrived, as we had heard of Oodnadatta for years.  The famous "Pink Roadhouse"  staff were very friendly and helpful.
The Old Ghan Railway line has lots of the old wooden rail sleepers alongside the track and passing motorists over the years have made signs up using the old sleepers.  It was very entertaining working out what the signs messages some times.
Though this road is relatively straightforward,  take note of Warnings and Essential Advice on Desert Crossing which visitors can collect from visitors centres prior to doing the track.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Gunbarrel Highway Western Australia to Northern Territory

The Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia's toughest long-haul treks. The distance is considerable and the area extremely remote, so even more meticulous when organising all the usual desert trek precautions.  The trek was most rewarding and well worth all our efforts.

Lost a dust cover, so made one out of an empty beer can

Permits are required to traverse Aboriginal lands. No fees applicable but include restrictions on movement into communities  except when needing to refuel vehicles. 
Len Beadell and his team were the  first to surveyed and opened up the Gunbarrel during the 1950's and 1960's bisecting the  Western Australia's Gibson and Great Victoria deserts.
We passed through Giles Meteorological Station on the old Gunbarrel Highway. Well worth a visit. Giles have visitors' times to see  Weather Balloons dispatched and then give a tour of the complex and explain the proceedures. Very interesting and informative indeed.


One of the many creek crossing made
Camping along the highway is permitted anywhere or at the established campsites of Harry Johnston Waterhhole, Carnegie Homestead ( nice shower) Camp Beadell and Lassesters Cave (Tjuntil). There are caravan parks at Wiluna, Warrakurna Roadhouse and Yulara Resort.
Campsite beside a waterhole

Monday, May 2, 2011

NEW SOUTH WALES ( AUSTRALIA) NATIONAL PARKS

Lots of areas to camp, explore and really enjoy in New South Wales.
There are approximately 67 national parks in NSW. Around 5 per cent of the state has been  set aside for parks and reserves.
The largest  single park,  Kosciusko National Park ( 646 911 ha) located in the south-east of the state. It contains Australia's highest peaks, its most extensive ski fields and a spectacular display of spring wild flowers.
Even larger than Kosciusko is the combined area of three adjoining parks to the west of Sydney, namely Blue Mountains National Park, Wollemi National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park.
Wollemi, which contains Australia's largest area of unaltered forest, is a wilderness that can be enjoyed only by experienced bush-walkers. 
Kanangra-Boyd is similarly wild, although parts of it are accessible along a number of trails.
The Blue Mountains, however, contains some of the state's most familiar scenic attractions, including the Three Sisters, Govett's Leap and Wentworth Falls.
Myall Lakes National Park is a complex of coastal lakes and waterways on the north coast.
Royal National Park on the outskirts of Sydney I believe was Australia's first national park.
Warrumbungle National Park in the state's north-east  has a strange landscape of eroded volcanic peaks
Hope I have wet your appetite to get out and see this beautiful country. Arrange your next holiday through our web site and Discover Australia.
Please leave a message if your require any more information.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Australian Capital Territory Namadgi National Park

Although about 46 per cent of the ACT is set aside for parks and other reserves, there is only one national park. Adjoining Kosciusko National Park in New South Wales,  Namadgi National Park approximately 94 000 ha, occupies more than one-third of the Australian Capital Territory(ACT).
To discover and explore Australia you can book all your travel arrangements through our web site.
Namadgi National Park